If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers have not taken a cornerback in the first round of the NFL draft since 1997, often finding players in the middle to late rounds that they developed into serviceable to quality starters.

That changes this year for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the Steelers need more help to counter passing attacks that increasingly force teams out of their base defense and demand five or six defensive backs on the field at the same time.

The Steelers addressed safety with their most significant free-agent signing, bringing in Mike Mitchell to replace Ryan Clark at free safety. They also have high hopes for 2013 fourth-round pick Shamarko Thomas on the back end of their defense.

The Steelers showed interest in a handful of cornerbacks prior to the start of the free-agent signing period. But the only move they have made at that position is agreeing to a pay cut with Ike Taylor that will bring the 11th-year veteran back for one more season.

Taylor, who turns 34 in May, will help develop the cornerbacks the Steelers select in the draft -- yes, plural. One of those is likely to be Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert or Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard in the first round.

Whether or not the Steelers have their choice between the two players widely considered the top cornerbacks in the draft remains to be seen.

Fourteen teams pick ahead of the Steelers and the Lions at No. 10 are among those who could go with a cornerback in the first round. One thing working in favor of the Steelers is enough teams ahead of them have such an acute need at quarterback that three of four of them could be picked early, pushing higher-rated players down in the draft.

On paper it doesn't seem like the Steelers could go wrong with either Gilbert or Dennard.

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers have not taken a cornerback in the first round of the NFL draft since 1997, often finding players in the middle to late rounds that they developed into serviceable to quality starters.

That changes this year for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the Steelers need more help to counter passing attacks that increasingly force teams out of their base defense and demand five or six defensive backs on the field at the same time.

The Steelers addressed safety with their most significant free-agent signing, bringing in Mike Mitchell to replace Ryan Clark at free safety. They also have high hopes for 2013 fourth-round pick Shamarko Thomas on the back end of their defense.

The Steelers showed interest in a handful of cornerbacks prior to the start of the free-agent signing period. But the only move they have made at that position is agreeing to a pay cut with Ike Taylor that will bring the 11th-year veteran back for one more season.

Taylor, who turns 34 in May, will help develop the cornerbacks the Steelers select in the draft -- yes, plural. One of those is likely to be Oklahoma State's Justin Gilbert or Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard in the first round.

Whether or not the Steelers have their choice between the two players widely considered the top cornerbacks in the draft remains to be seen.

Fourteen teams pick ahead of the Steelers and the Lions at No. 10 are among those who could go with a cornerback in the first round. One thing working in favor of the Steelers is enough teams ahead of them have such an acute need at quarterback that three of four of them could be picked early, pushing higher-rated players down in the draft.

On paper it doesn't seem like the Steelers could go wrong with either Gilbert or Dennard.

Maybe it's just me, but I think they can't go wrong with Fuller as the pick either. What he might lack in skills, he has outstanding smarts according to some reports. Knowing where to be, when is almost better than pure athletic skill.

Maybe it's just me, but I think they can't go wrong with Fuller as the pick either. What he might lack in skills, he has outstanding smarts according to some reports. Knowing where to be, when is almost better than pure athletic skill.

Its not his speed alone that gives him immense potential, its ball skills and ability to sink his hips and pivot while playing zone. He could have asante samuel like zone skills in reacting to the ball. Not that Gilbert would be the pick machine in our defense that he was at school but its funny for how frustrated fans get at ike for not getting all the pickzzzz but they want the exact same type of player in Dennard, a CB that can run on the WRs hip and is aware enough to get his head around to "play the ball, not the receiver" and rarely make the interception

Im starting to think neither will be there though

People say this every time Dennard is discussed - the dude had 3, 3, and 4 INTs the last 3 years. It is simply not true that he doesn't make picks. He actually had some very good INTs and showed good hands making them.

Hes not a ball hawking corner though, which isnt a quality i think a corner needs to have. His worst quality is the tendency to be grabby. He can have zero interceptions for all i care if its because no one is willing to throw towards him

funny, when he was drafted, a lot of the write-ups called it a bad pick. I called him "Deshea 2.0... smart player, who youwill want in the rotation, he could start in a pinch, but, would be best suited as a REALLY GOOOD nickel back." One of the advantages of a kid playing for your local team... you see him a lot...

Anyway, on topic... I'm REALLY leaning toward Dennard - and starting to think he might be there

Since starting this thread, I began watching a lot of film on CB's in the Draft. To tell the truth, I dont think either is the best CB. If given the choice, I'd pick Kyle Fuller. He seems to me like he has the most upside and is more physically gifted then the other 2.

I must be wrong though, because all the experts are sticking with the other 2. Thoughts?